Roy Diaz

DIAZ, MR. ROY Mr. Roy Diaz, aged 62, of Rockford, bravely succumbed to his battle against Mantle Cell Lymphoma on Friday, March 21st, 2014, comfortably in his sleep and is now pain free. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathie (Budnick); his sons: Michael (Shalee), Adam, Dominick (Sandra); his sisters: Linda (Maurice), Karen (Ronald); his in-laws: mother Lois (Lew), Julie, Mary, Laura, Amy, and Thomas (Brenda); his grandchildren: Adah, Olivia, Daniel, Donte, Dane, Jordan, MaKenlee, Anilee; the daughter he never had, Lindsay Absi; many cousins, dozens of nieces and nephews (most of whom are wonderful), "brothers from other mothers", Jose (Lynne) Hernandez and Ed (Adele) Zirnis, as well as several other close and dear friends. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Elida; father-in-law, Marion Kolenda, and brothers-in-law: Don Budnick, Dan, and John Kolenda. Roy worked as a supervisor for over 30 years at the former Fisher Body Plant of General Motors on 36th Street; his most recent position was as a second-shift supervisor at Jireh Metal Products in Grandville. Roy was a life-long Spartan fan and tragic victim of the Detroit Lions, lived larger than life and had even a bigger heart; he loved so many and was loved by many. Some of his stories tended to be filled with exaggerations, which his family joyfully teased him about; Roy was successful in instilling a strong work ethic into his children as well as his most passionate of lessons: no matter what, family comes first. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 AM at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belmont where there will be a visitation one hour prior to the Mass. His ashes will be spread wherever it is legal to do so. The family will receive visitors Thursday, 6-9 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers East Chapel, 937 Michigan Avenue NE. In his memory please consider a shot of Dewar's or your favorite libation in his honor.